Office of Social Equity

About

The Office of Social Equity (OSE) supports Maryland’s efforts to promote and encourage full participation in the regulated cannabis industry by individuals and businesses from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition.

OSE provides guidance, resources, technical assistance, and business development support to social equity and minority cannabis business applicants and licensees. The Office also helps connect businesses with programs, funding opportunities and State resources designed to support participation and long-term success within Maryland’s cannabis industry.

Community and Partner Resources

OSE works with State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, business organizations, industry partners and community stakeholders to expand access to information, resources, and opportunities.

These partnerships help connect social equity businesses and communities to business development resources, workforce opportunities, technical assistance, capital resources, supplier diversity networks, and other supports across Maryland’s broader economic development ecosystem.

Higher Education and HBCU Partnerships

Maryland law directs OSE to support cannabis-related initiatives and programming with historically Black colleges and universities.

OSE works with HBCUs and other institutions of higher education to support business education, technical assistance, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and pathways into Maryland’s cannabis industry.

These partnerships help connect students, entrepreneurs, and social equity businesses with educational resources, professional development, and opportunities across the broader cannabis and economic development ecosystem.

Resources for Local Jurisdictions and Community Partners

OSE also provides guidance, training, technical assistance, and resources to local jurisdictions and community stakeholders implementing Maryland’s cannabis equity and reinvestment policies.

Resources related to the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, including guidance, reporting materials, training, and implementation tools, are available under Impact and Opportunity.

Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund

The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) directs a portion of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis tax revenue to local jurisdictions for community-based initiatives that benefit low-income communities and communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.

OSE provides statewide oversight of the Fund with assistance from the Comptroller and supports jurisdictions through guidance, training, technical assistance, reporting, and implementation resources.

OSE’s Role

OSE works with all 24 Maryland jurisdictions to support consistent, transparent, and community-informed implementation of CRRF requirements.

OSE’s responsibilities include:

• Receiving and reviewing jurisdiction distribution plans and annual reports

• Providing guidance and technical assistance

• Conducting an annual CRRF training event for jurisdictions and other stakeholders

•  Maintaining utilization and award data

• Responding to implementation questions

• Supporting statewide reporting and oversight

• Coordinating with the Comptroller and other State partners

Contact the Office of Social Equity 

Phone: 1-877-420-8868 

Email: [email protected] 

Cannabis policy and regulation questions: [email protected] Mailing address: 849 International Drive, 1st Floor, Linthicum, MD 21090 For questions about a cannabis business license application, contact the Maryland Cannabis Administration.